I came across these interesting rankings...

Best Airports in Africa 2016:

1. Cape Town International Airport, South Africa (CPT)
2. Kigali International Airport, Rwanda (KGL)
3. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam (Port Louis) International Airport, Mauritius (MRU)
4. Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport, South Africa (JNB)
5. Algiers Houari Boumediene International Airport, Algeria (ALG)
6. Durban King Shaka International Airport, South Africa (DUR)
7. Rabat-Sale International Airport, Morocco (RBA)
8. Oujda Angads International Airport, Morocco (OUD)
9. Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Kenya (NBO)
10. Cairo International Airport, Egypt (CAI)


Best Airports in 2015:

1. Cape Town International Airport, South Africa (CPT)
2. Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport, South Africa (JNB)
3. Algiers Houari Boumediene International Airport, Algeria (ALG)
4. Mauritius Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, Mauritius (MRU)
5. Kigali International Airport, Rwanda (KGL)
6. Brazzaville Maya-Maya International Airport, The Republic of Congo (BZV)
7. Durban King Shaka International Airport, South Africa (DUR)
8. Oujda Angads International Airport, Morocco (OUD)
9. Addis Ababa-Bole International Airport, Ethiopia (ADD)
10. Harare International Airport, Zimbabwe (HRE)


Now worst airports in Africa 2016:

1. Juba International Airport, South Sudan (JUB)
2. Port Harcourt International Airport, Nigeria (PHC)
3. Nouakchott International Airport, Mauritania (NKC)
4. Douala International Airport, Cameroon (DLA)
5. N'Djamena International Airport, Chad (NDJ)
6. Dar-es-Salaam Julius Nyerere International Airport, Tanzania (DAR)
7. Zanzibar Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, Tanzania (ZNZ)
8. Lomé–Tokoin Airport, Togo (LFW)
9. Lagos Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Nigeria (LOS)
10. Marrakesh Menara Airport, Morocco (RAK)


Worst airports in Africa 2015:

1. Port Harcourt International Airport, Nigeria (PHC)
2. Khartoum International Airport, Sudan (KRT)
3. Kinshasa N'djili International Airport, Democratic Republic of the Congo (FIH)
4. Juba International Airport, South Sudan (JUB)
5. Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport, Djibouti (JIB)
6. Mombasa Moi International Airport, Kenya (MBA)
7. Abuja Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Nigeria (ABV)
8. Luanda Quatro de Fevereiro International Airport, Angola (LAD)
9. Douala International Airport, Cameroon (DLA)
10. Lagos Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Nigeria (LOS)


Obviously I'm glad for Kigali and Nairobi, West Africa doesn't perform well especially Nigeria, but are those rankings valid and reliable? better or worse than infamous Skytrax thing?

http://www.sleepinginairports.net/2016/ ... africa.htm

ARIK seems to be doing very poorly. I think i read somewhere that most of their fleet is on the ground. How can they be paying their lessors without generating income? Aren't the aircraft owners desperate to get the airraft back?

kq747 wrote:

MileHFL400 wrote:

kq747 wrote:

Curious to know which routes you were flying/looking at...?

NBO- DXB, NBO- LHR, NBO- FCO ( granted there's no direct route from NBO. I was going to fly through CDG) and NBO- BKK

Surprised by NBO-DXB owing the direct EK competition and QR/EY like to offer cheap deals to DXB. You would think KQ would try harder to price match but ME3 often undercut by a lot. LHR is only competing with BA so I understand the benefit of the direct flight does command a premium as it does on the BKK route. FCO is probably the most surprising to me.

It is a similar case out of ADD with ET, it is not always the cheapest option. But given the more options available at NBO and the relative weakness of KQ, their pricing for NBO origin does not seem to be working.

TAAG seems to be doing well with becoming a hub and spoke airline, carrying more and more traffic between Southern Africa and Portugal/Brazil.
LAD-JNB have increased to daily service since last November, mix of 777-200/300.

LAD-CPT is all 777 as well now and will be increasing to daily as well from October'17, from current 3 weekly. Offering very good fares between South Africa and Portugal, making it cheapest way to get to Europe.
LAD-MPM, LAD-HRE and LAD-LUN is all also increasing frequency during the year. Also now and then sending 777 on LAD-WDH.

Is it taking lessons from partner Emirates, or what is the deal between DT and EK?
Just LAD airport needing some attention, or any idea when the new airport will open?

See there's an analysis/case study on CAPA (centreforaviation.com) regarding TAAG...but can't open, any ideas what is mentioned there?

Other route news from Southern Africa:

Airlink:
New domestic link between Cape Town(CPT) and Pietermaritzburg(PZB) from 6 February, 6 weekly ERJ-135
CPT to Windhoek (WDH), Namibia increase from 12 to 19 weekly from April
CPT to Maun (MUB), Botswana increase from 5weekly to daily from June
CPT to Nelspruit-Kruger (MQP) increase from 7 to 13 weekly from 2 July
NEW route CPT to Victoria Falls (VFA), Zimbabwe starting 2 July, 6 weekly ERJ-135
JNB-Vilanculous (VNX), Mozambique increase from 5 to 7 weekly and JNB-MQP-VNX increase from 2 to 7 weekly...return is all VNX-JNB, subsequently increasing 7 to 14 weekly, from July.
MQP-Livingstone (LVI), Zambia increase from 5 to 7 weekly from July.

Kenya Airways starting mid-May 2 weekly NBO-VFA-CPT, increasing to 3 weekly from mid-July...thus NBO-CPT connection increase from current 4 to 6 weekly, being 3 weekly via both sides of the Victoria Falls...3 weekly via LVI and 3 weekly via VFA.

More good news for Victoria Falls airport is that Ethiopian starting 3 weekly service from end of this month...ADD-VFA-GBE (Gaborone)-ADD.
SAA started from 1 March using A330-200 on daily JNB-VFA route.

ADD-WDH change to nonstop service 4 weekly, was 1-stop via GBE, as GBE is now connected via VFA
DOH-WDH change to A330-200 from 27 March, increase from 4 weekly to daily from 2 July

CemAir introduce a new domestic link, 1 weekly between beach holiday destinations Plettenberg Bay (PBZ) and Margate (MGH) with Beech1900D from 15 March...making it the thinnest route in South Africa...actually being an extension of CPT-PBZ, to be able to sell CPT-MGH.
CemAir also upgauging BFN (Bloemfontein)-GRJ (George) and BFN-PLZ (Port Elizabeth) from B1900 to CRJ100.

From all of the above it is clear that the tourist market in Southern Africa is booming and travel between the most popular spots being more and more packaged and combined...CPT, VFA, LVI, WDH, MQP, MUB, VNX all featuring well

http://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news/ ... 1500-staff

There seems to be some truth behind Arik Air's troubles. What makes it more puzzling though is that they ordered 2 B787-9 and 2 B737's in Jan!

Has anyone heard anything about how the ET/Asky collaboration is working out in Togo? A few months ago ET started selling very attractively priced tickets from EWR to Lome with connecting flights by Asky to such places as Accra and Abidjan. I noticed ET is cutting back the EWR flight from 6 times a week to 4 and 3 times I believe for April and May. The reviews on the internet talk about difficulties in making the connections and often being stranded in Togo an extra day. I believe ET is helping manage Asky, and it appears there are still bugs in the system.

I had a friend take ET from VIE to ABJ thought Addis,and she was very impressed by the ET mainline service. She took it in Y, but often flies business class for work and felt the employees were all friendly and welcoming.

http://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news/ ... operations

Seem's like an extreme measure! Why not just suspend all the staff involved?

Emirates will be operating 2 daily A380 service from 29 October on DXB-JNB...total service 2 x A380 + 2 x 77W daily.
From April the current daily A380 service switch from the 2nd to the 3rd daily flight, but for week 26 March to 2 April both flights will be A380.

This change means that 3 A380 flights will depart JNB within short period of time (1hour to 1h30), together with AF and BA flights...plus the LH 748i flight.

It seems from November AF will also be bringing back the A380 for daily JNB service, currently 4 weekly (+3 weekly 77W)

Are there any other cities in Africa that see A380 services?

Does anyone know if there are any plans for more competition on the JNB-LUN route? I know Rwandair does it but they only do it 3 times a week and that isn't enough to change fares when SAA does it 25-28 times a week in comparison...

MileHFL400 wrote:

Are there any other cities in Africa that see A380 services?

AF uses A380 to Abidjan ?

EK to Casablanca?

MoKa777 wrote:

Does anyone know if there are any plans for more competition on the JNB-LUN route? I know Rwandair does it but they only do it 3 times a week and that isn't enough to change fares when SAA does it 25-28 times a week in comparison...

At the moment there's no real talk of anything. Rwandair will actually also stop serving this route from April...as both JNB and LUN will have dedicated flights only.

Technically it is SAA and Airlink operating together...SAA sometimes use A330/A340s on the route as well.

oldannyboy wrote:

Hello guys, I have quickly scanned the thread... so I might have missed what I was looking for..
Do any of you know if the DC-9/14 and F-28 are still active in Kenya with East African Safari Airways?
Thanks for the info!
Rgds
Danny

With African Express you can get the DC9 (pics from November 2016) and MD82 according to their website
What I dont get, is that the F28 (from flysax or East African not East African Safari Airways btw) was supposed to fly to Finland for retirement but looks like its still in Nairobi and airworthy

FlySAX Fokker F-28 reg 5Y-EEE and East African DC-9-10 5Y-XXA at T2 Nairobi



African Express DC9 - 5Y-AXP (to Somalia though)

opticalilyushin wrote:

During the weekend I was in Nairobi to fly on some rare aircraft types, but 2 airframes seem to be baffling me (and the internet!). I flew with African Express on the DC-9 5Y-AXP, and also FlySAX's new Dash 8-300 5Y-RJS. I've been trying to find out where these airframes have come from, but there is nothing online. I suspect the DC-9 could be ex 5Y-CDP that was flying for another airline a couple of years ago, and a SAX captain told me he thinks the Q300 is from South Africa, but would any local people know more about these airframes?

Agree, on internet the DC9 should be 5Y-AXF!!!!

grjplanes wrote:

MileHFL400 wrote:

Are there any other cities in Africa that see A380 services?

AF uses A380 to Abidjan ?

Correct! btw from the winter season (9th Oct) AF will send the 789 instead of the 777.

AF520 CDG1000 – 1345BKO1445 – 1625ABJ 789 D
AF521 ABJ1830 – 2010BKO2210 – 0550+1CDG 789 D

It must have been mentioned somewhere, hence I just repeat the info, Oman Air will start Nairobi from the 27MAR17.

WY721 MCT1450 – 1855NBO 738 x357
WY722 NBO0045 – 0650MCT 738 x146

eastafspot wrote:

oldannyboy wrote:

Hello guys, I have quickly scanned the thread... so I might have missed what I was looking for..
Do any of you know if the DC-9/14 and F-28 are still active in Kenya with East African Safari Airways?
Thanks for the info!
Rgds
Danny

With African Express you can get the DC9 (pics from November 2016) and MD82 according to their website
What I dont get, is that the F28 (from flysax or East African not East African Safari Airways btw) was supposed to fly to Finland for retirement but looks like its still in Nairobi and airworthy

FlySAX Fokker F-28 reg 5Y-EEE and East African DC-9-10 5Y-XXA at T2 Nairobi



African Express DC9 - 5Y-AXP (to Somalia though)

Ahhh...what joy those pictures bring to my heart... lovely aircrafts!

Thank you so much my friend!!!

I didn't see AXF whilst there last week. Could it have been changed to AXP, or maybe it's stored?

grjplanes wrote:

MileHFL400 wrote:

Are there any other cities in Africa that see A380 services?

AF uses A380 to Abidjan ?

EK to Casablanca?

Plus

BA to Cape Town and Johannesburg

Cunard wrote:

BA to Cape Town and Johannesburg

No BA A380 to CPT. LHR flights are B744 and LGW flights are B772.

https://www.africaintelligence.com/LCE/ ... 226060-BRE

I do not have subscription to this site but title says Air Cote d'Ivoire will cancel Bangui and start flights to Praia. Did they ever fly to Bangui? I don't remember seeing them there. And why Praia? How will the flight be operated? Nonstop from Abidjan?

grjplanes wrote:

MoKa777 wrote:

Does anyone know if there are any plans for more competition on the JNB-LUN route? I know Rwandair does it but they only do it 3 times a week and that isn't enough to change fares when SAA does it 25-28 times a week in comparison...

At the moment there's no real talk of anything. Rwandair will actually also stop serving this route from April...as both JNB and LUN will have dedicated flights only.

Technically it is SAA and Airlink operating together...SAA sometimes use A330/A340s on the route as well.

Oh snap... LOL. So it might only get worse... At least one could get a ride on the A330/A340.

not sure if this has been reported photos of SA Airlink E190. cant wait to fly on one of these far much better than any of their current products

https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news ... en-emb-190

chiki wrote:

not sure if this has been reported photos of SA Airlink E190. cant wait to fly on one of these far much better than any of their current products

https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news ... en-emb-190

Interior? (Republic hasn't even exactly kept their a/c in mint condition so I hope they redid it

Are there any updates or further information regarding the proposed and prolonged start up of Ghanaian airline GoldStar?

Cunard wrote:

Are there any updates or further information regarding the proposed and prolonged start up of Ghanaian airline GoldStar?

And Smile Air.

Some time ago on the Swiss Aviation Forum, there were rumors that ET might start operating to GVA, but I have'nt heard anything about it since then. Have any of our Ethiopian members ever heard about such plans or were these rumors completely unfounded ? It seemed to me that GVA had been mentionned by the ET CEO in an interview at the time.

ahj2000 wrote:

chiki wrote:

not sure if this has been reported photos of SA Airlink E190. cant wait to fly on one of these far much better than any of their current products

https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news ... en-emb-190

Interior? (Republic hasn't even exactly kept their a/c in mint condition so I hope they redid it

Not seen any but if its like the LAM E190 it will be a vast improvement from the current Airlink offerings

Congo airways (DRC) is now opération a Boeing 737-800. It appears to be subleased from Ethiopian airways, as are 2 other Q400.

My question is: does Ethiopian have too many aircrafts?

Congo Airways fleet are 2 airbuses (ex Alitalia/air one) and 2 Q400. Interestingly, Ethiopian mechanics appear to be travelling with the Q400. Intrestingly, they appear to be heavily weight restricted, with not all seats taken.

hynithuchi wrote:

Some time ago on the Swiss Aviation Forum, there were rumors that ET might start operating to GVA, but I have'nt heard anything about it since then. Have any of our Ethiopian members ever heard about such plans or were these rumors completely unfounded ? It seemed to me that GVA had been mentionned by the ET CEO in an interview at the time.

Really surprising they have yet to serve this country considering how extensive is their European network, any news on this matter, btw?

Kenya Airways begins taxiing to recovery:

Hope has returned at the pride of Africa as Kenya Airways cut their losses by 51 percent in 2017 to hit Sh10.2 billion compared to the Sh26 billion it recorded in 2016.

KQ Chief Executive Mbuvi Ngunze says the turnaround strategy the airline has been implementing in the last one and a half years has started to bear fruit resulting in better performance.

Passenger numbers went up by 5.4 percent, to 4.5 million customers the highest the airline has ever had while cabin factor went up by 4 percent.

Lot of hard work must be done and a long way to see some profits, but looks like KQ is back on track!

The airline is also planning to add 20 new frequencies in Africa. Any guesses?

Source:
https://www.capitalfm.co.ke/business/20 ... takes-off/

hynithuchi wrote:

Some time ago on the Swiss Aviation Forum, there were rumors that ET might start operating to GVA, but I have'nt heard anything about it since then. Have any of our Ethiopian members ever heard about such plans or were these rumors completely unfounded ? It seemed to me that GVA had been mentionned by the ET CEO in an interview at the time.

While GVA has been mentioned before, and even despite its importance given the number of UN offices that are based in that city, ET has prioritized destinations like Oslo, Madrid and Vienna over GVA. We have even seen Munich added to their schedule then withdrawn. ET announced its expansion plans for 2017 many months ago, with most new cities added by June. GVA may be a candidate for future (longer term) European expansion, along with, in my opinion, Munich, and a second French city (Marseille?)

berari wrote:

hynithuchi wrote:

Some time ago on the Swiss Aviation Forum, there were rumors that ET might start operating to GVA, but I have'nt heard anything about it since then. Have any of our Ethiopian members ever heard about such plans or were these rumors completely unfounded ? It seemed to me that GVA had been mentionned by the ET CEO in an interview at the time.

While GVA has been mentioned before, and even despite its importance given the number of UN offices that are based in that city, ET has prioritized destinations like Oslo, Madrid and Vienna over GVA. We have even seen Munich added to their schedule then withdrawn. ET announced its expansion plans for 2017 many months ago, with most new cities added by June. GVA may be a candidate for future (longer term) European expansion, along with, in my opinion, Munich, and a second French city (Marseille?)

Thanks for the explanations, as MUC could make sense; but MRS... why? Surely either LYS or GVA first, but more obviously NCE with what you have said in France ...
Do you think AMS is too locked up, by ST carriers, for ET to even try seasonal flights from there? as ET only misses Portugal, Switzerland and Netherland to complete/compete (in its) western European countries network.

eastafspot wrote:

Kenya Airways begins taxiing to recovery:

Hope has returned at the pride of Africa as Kenya Airways cut their losses by 51 percent in 2017 to hit Sh10.2 billion compared to the Sh26 billion it recorded in 2016.

KQ Chief Executive Mbuvi Ngunze says the turnaround strategy the airline has been implementing in the last one and a half years has started to bear fruit resulting in better performance.

Passenger numbers went up by 5.4 percent, to 4.5 million customers the highest the airline has ever had while cabin factor went up by 4 percent.

Lot of hard work must be done and a long way to see some profits, but looks like KQ is back on track!

The airline is also planning to add 20 new frequencies in Africa. Any guesses?

Source:
https://www.capitalfm.co.ke/business/20 ... takes-off/

20 new frequencies without adding any new aircraft? That must mean that their current fleet is under utilized?

eastafspot wrote:

hynithuchi wrote:

Some time ago on the Swiss Aviation Forum, there were rumors that ET might start operating to GVA, but I have'nt heard anything about it since then. Have any of our Ethiopian members ever heard about such plans or were these rumors completely unfounded ? It seemed to me that GVA had been mentionned by the ET CEO in an interview at the time.

Really surprising they have yet to serve this country considering how extensive is their European network, any news on this matter, btw?

These were not really rumors. GVA together with OSL were mentioned as the next European destinations by ET CEO at the end of last year. Discussions are progressing and I am hopeful to see this service by 2018.

FlyAfrica set to return first with domestics Zimbabwe then regional

https://www.dailynews.co.zw/articles/20 ... operations

eastafspot wrote:

berari wrote:

hynithuchi wrote:

Some time ago on the Swiss Aviation Forum, there were rumors that ET might start operating to GVA, but I have'nt heard anything about it since then. Have any of our Ethiopian members ever heard about such plans or were these rumors completely unfounded ? It seemed to me that GVA had been mentionned by the ET CEO in an interview at the time.

While GVA has been mentioned before, and even despite its importance given the number of UN offices that are based in that city, ET has prioritized destinations like Oslo, Madrid and Vienna over GVA. We have even seen Munich added to their schedule then withdrawn. ET announced its expansion plans for 2017 many months ago, with most new cities added by June. GVA may be a candidate for future (longer term) European expansion, along with, in my opinion, Munich, and a second French city (Marseille?)

Thanks for the explanations, as MUC could make sense; but MRS... why? Surely either LYS or GVA first, but more obviously NCE with what you have said in France ...
Do you think AMS is too locked up, by ST carriers, for ET to even try seasonal flights from there? as ET only misses Portugal, Switzerland and Netherland to complete/compete (in its) western European countries network.

My suggestion of MRS was really based on the fact that it is the second largest city in France although I don't know where most African expats live outside of Paris. ET's expansion into islands on the Indian Ocean has seen its service to Moroni going nonstop and being upgraded to the 787, and we have also seen new nonstop service to Antananarivo. I believe that this is what is contributing to ET decoupling CDG service from BRU and giving CDG a terminating daily 787 service (most capacity dedicated to CDG that we have ever seen!) Also recall reading a while back that rights to CDG were limited, with France offering up secondary cities.

ET has tried AMS and CPH in the past. The latter was replaced with ARN and I understand that it was costly to operate into. AMS was one of the first cities that ET code shared to on LH metal.

I think ACC has made HUGE improvements over the past 10-12 years. I prefer to fly into ACC than many other airports in Africa. With the addition of updated lounges and much better gate access, I think it is on pace to be one of the best in Africa in the next 5 years. While it may not compete with South Africa, it should certainly earn a top 10 placing.

What exactly is the situation with Arik Air? I know they stopped their long haul routes like LHR and JFK and I know they have some 789's on order. Are those 789's likely to be delivered or eventually canceled?

N292UX wrote:

What exactly is the situation with Arik Air? I know they stopped their long haul routes like LHR and JFK and I know they have some 789's on order. Are those 789's likely to be delivered or eventually canceled?

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/05/can- ... r-survive/

I think this will tell you everything you need to know about the state of Arik Air, I would be suprised if Arik Air survives long enough to see those planes operational.

Any updates on the Ghanaian start up airline GOLDSTAR?

Any chances we'll see ASKY starting LFW-Europe with 738?
Routes such as LFW-LGW and LFW-CDG are within the comercial range of 738 and would open many connecting opportunities from LFW hub.

Cunard wrote:

Any updates on the Ghanaian start up airline GOLDSTAR?

I love Ghana but Goldstar is not to be taken seriously; it is just someone's pipe dream project. They have a stupid business plan and no money.

usflyer msp wrote:

Cunard wrote:

Any updates on the Ghanaian start up airline GOLDSTAR?

I love Ghana but Goldstar is not to be taken seriously; it is just someone's pipe dream project. They have a stupid business plan and no money.

Exactly.

winGl3t wrote:

Any chances we'll see ASKY starting LFW-Europe with 738?
Routes such as LFW-LGW and LFW-CDG are within the comercial range of 738 and would open many connecting opportunities from LFW hub.

Good point, agree.

My suggestion of MRS was really based on the fact that it is the second largest city in France although I don't know where most African expats live outside of Paris. ET's expansion into islands on the Indian Ocean has seen its service to Moroni going nonstop and being upgraded to the 787, and we have also seen new nonstop service to Antananarivo. I believe that this is what is contributing to ET decoupling CDG service from BRU and giving CDG a terminating daily 787 service (most capacity dedicated to CDG that we have ever seen!) Also recall reading a while back that rights to CDG were limited, with France offering up secondary cities.

I think it will be Kenya Airways first. In March 2017, in Jeune Afrique, Air France CEO said that Kenya Airways is planning to add routes in France.

"Au travers de KLM, nous avons 27 % du capital de cette compagnie et nous avons des projets de développement de lignes vers le Kenya au départ de la France dans les prochains mois."

Thanks to KLM, we (Air France) have 27% of Kenya Airways's stakes, we are currently working on new projects, including, new routes from France, in coming months.

http://www.jeuneafrique.com/mag/418312/ ... que-lasie/

Why not to see a Lyon (Air France regional hub) -Marseille (large African diaspora)-Nairobi.

Any chances we'll see ASKY starting LFW-Europe with 738?
Routes such as LFW-LGW and LFW-CDG are within the comercial range of 738 and would open many connecting opportunities from LFW hub.

It's planned for 2017, alongside with Beirut. They will also open a service to Johannesburg:

Dans le cadre de la poursuite de son expansion, Asky Airlines compte ouvrir de nouvelles destinations en 2017 : Paris, Londres, Johannesburg et Beyrouth.

http://www.tourmag.com/Asky-Airlines-de ... 84923.html

RwandAir will start Brussels service, from July 2017 (around late july). Flights will be operated via London Gatwick.

The Rwandan Diaspora in Belgium is about 25 000-30 000. Bookings should open, before the end of week. It's shame that flights are announced, while summer season has started and probably many people, have already booked their summer trip. But there are probably last minute buyers, for at least August and September periods. But probably most people didn't book flights for Christmas period.

Kigali – 14th June, 2017. RwandAir the national carrier of the Republic of Rwanda is pleased to announce the commencement of non-stop flights from Kigali to Brussels, in Belgium next month. All returning flights from Brussels to Kigali will be via London.

With the new three flights a week between Brussels and Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, which will be operated by the airline’s Airbus A330 fleet configured in a triple class cabin and equipped with inflight connectivity, RwandAir offers a differentiated product in terms of passenger comfort and convenience.

Brussels, Belgium’s fascinating capital and the administrative capital of the European Union, is mainly known for centuries of history, renaissance architecture and monuments. The city’s main attractions include the Grand-Place, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Bronzed Manneken-Pis and admirable green spaces such as the “Parc du Cinquantenaire”, Belgian Independence Monument.

“Adding Brussels to our fast growing network, reaffirms our commitment to create new
opportunities for both continents with smooth connections from cities with high demand and will go a long way in boosting trade and tourism”, said Chance Ndagano, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of RwandAir.

The launch of flights to Brussels comes after the airline’s successful entry into the London market last month (May). The new route takes RwandAir’s network to twenty-three (23) destinations.

https://www.rwandair.com/media-center/n ... -july-2017

Brussels Airlines is currently serving Rwanda, 6 times a week, in code share with RwandAir. I think that RwandAir will get acess to the Brussels Airlines network at Brussels (North America & Europe). RwandAir will offer connecting to Burundi (former Belgium's colony), Kenya, South Africa, Cameroon, Republic of Congo & Gabon (both not served by Brussels Airlines), Tanzania or Nigeria:

Fly with RwandAir (BRU-KGL) & Brussels Airlines (KGL-BRU), in some cases.

Flights from Kigali to Dakar, Conakry and Bamako, will be probably operated via Cotonou.

Good news - thanks for sharing,
may give them a try in August, some fares a quite affordable (even in J) to Burundi and Uganda.

Flights between East African countries will be classified as domestic travel by the end of this year.

The change will see the price of air tickets drop by up to 12 per cent across the region, with domestic flyers charged a service fee of $5, compared with the $50 paid by international passengers.

From experience, when purchased well ahead, air tickets are not too expensive from Kenya to UG, TZ and RW; from Uganda to KE, TZ and RW; and from Rwanda to UG, KE and Burundi.

So hopefully it will impact also flights to/from Burundi and I do wonder if South Sudan, the latest East African Community member (2016) will be included in this agreement.

Source:
http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/busines ... index.html

According to the data provided by Flightradar24, it appears that Air France is now using the same plane to/from Kinshasa and Brazzaville.

Today for example, Air France is flying an A332 using the following triangular route: cdg-bzv-kin-cdg.

It also appears that AF has now cancelled it's Friday flight to/from Kinshasa.